From ‘Sherlock’ to ‘Star Trek’; Anderson plays Miss Havisham

PASADENA, Calif. — While you impatiently await Sunday’s bow of the second “Downton Abbey” on PBS, chew on these upcoming “Masterpiece”-related tidbits:

• Benedict Cumberbatch, who returns for more “Sherlock” on PBS in early May, told us he was “over the moon” about being cast in J.J. Abrams’ second movie of the “Star Trek” series.

We weren’t over the moon, however, by his refusal to share details about the villain character he’ll be playing.

Back to “Sherlock II,” the woman, Irene Adler, who actually succeeds at turning the modernized detective’s head and throwing him off balance is played by Lara Pulver. She’s known best for playing the Fairy Queen in “True Blood” last season.

• Inspector Morse fans can look forward to a prequel, set in the 1960s on PBS this summer. It’s called “Endeavor” and the young Morse will be played by Shaun Evans.

The British actor playing him is Shaun Evans, whom you may remember as the young American suitor – T-O-M, Tom — who jilts Annette Bening’s actress character in “Being Julia.”

• Gillian Anderson will play the iconic Miss Havisham in a new “Masterpiece” version of “Great Expectations” premiering on PBS April 1.